Asami Yaguchi, Voice of Kuchipatchi, Dies

Kenyu Office announced on Sept. 28 that Yaguchi died on Sept. 26, and that the funeral would be limited to close relatives, Denfaminicogamer reported. The announcement came two days after her death. Nikkan Sports also reported the death, describing it as sudden and saying agency representatives were at a loss for words.

Yaguchi was an actor and voice actress affiliated with Kenyu Office. Her credits spanned anime and video games.

Her roles

Yaguchi voiced Kuchipatchi in the Tamagotchi! anime, a young Sakata Gintoki in Gintama, and Sawyer in Black Lagoon. Denfaminicogamer listed two more roles: Katina Tarask in the Super Robot Wars OG series and Haruo in Doraemon. In Gintama, the role was the childhood version of protagonist Gintoki Sakata.

Horiuchi Kenyu, the president of Kenyu Office, wrote in the announcement: "Asami Yaguchi, who supported Kenyu Office from its early days, has passed away." He added: "Please do not forget Asami Yaguchi, a wonderful actor."

For fans of the long-running Tamagotchi! and Gintama series, the death removes a familiar voice from the cast. Players of the Super Robot Wars OG games also lose a recurring performer.

Private funeral

Kenyu Office said the funeral would be held with only close relatives, reflecting the family's wishes. The announcement was posted on the agency's official website and did not include a cause of death or her age.